LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 12

It’s a calm afternoon in a beautiful, serene park.
The sunlight filters through the trees, casting soft shadows on the grass.

Sam and Amal walk side by side until they find a quiet spot near a bench under a large tree.
They sit down, enjoying the peaceful environment.

Sam seems a bit restless, fidgeting with his hands, while Amal notices his nervousness.

Amal breaks the silence, smiling softly.
"Sam, you've been quiet all this time. What's on your mind? Tell me, what is it you wanted to talk about?"

Sam looks at her and hesitates before responding.
"Okay... but first, you need to close your eyes."

Amal raises an eyebrow and laughs lightly.
"Close my eyes? Why? What are you up to?"

Sam grins.
"Just trust me, Amal. Please close your eyes. I promise it's nothing bad."

Amal hesitates for a moment, her playful suspicion evident in her expression, but then she relents.
"Alright, fine. But if this is some silly prank, you're in trouble!"
She closes her eyes, her smile lingering.

Sam quickly reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box.
He opens it to reveal a delicate necklace with the initials 'A & S' engraved on a simple yet elegant pendant.

Taking a deep breath, he carefully moves closer, gently brushing her hair forward to reveal the back of her neck.

Amal flinches slightly.
"Sam! What are you doing?" she asks, her eyes still closed.

"Relax, Amal. Just stay still for a moment," Sam whispers.

He carefully places the necklace around her neck and secures the clasp.
He leans back and takes a moment to admire how perfect it looks on her before saying softly,
"Okay, open your eyes."

Amal opens her eyes and looks down at the pendant resting on her chest.
Her eyes widen as she lifts it with her fingers, examining the engraving.

For a moment, she's speechless.
Then she looks up at Sam, her expression a mix of surprise and joy.

"Sam... this is beautiful," she says, her voice filled with emotion.
"You didn't have to-"

Sam interrupts her, shaking his head.
"No, Amal. I wanted to. I wanted you to have something that reminds you of us, something simple but meaningful."

Amal smiles warmly.
"It's the most precious gift anyone has ever given me," she says, her voice trembling slightly.
She leans forward and wraps her arms around him in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Sam."

Sam holds her gently, then places a soft kiss on her forehead.
"You're welcome, Amal. You deserve the world."

They sit together in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the moment.
Then Sam looks at her with a slightly serious expression.

"Amal, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," she replies, sensing the change in his tone.

"Is Zain bothering you?" Sam asks, his voice low and cautious.
"Or is there something else you're not telling me?"

Amal frowns slightly, confused.
"No, Sam. Why would you think that? Zain isn't a problem, and there's nothing I'm hiding from you. Why do you ask?"

Sam hesitates, then shrugs, trying to downplay his concern.
"I just... I don't want anything or anyone to trouble you, that's all."

Amal smiles, reassured by his protectiveness.
She gently places her hand on his.
"Sam, stop worrying so much. Everything's fine."

Sam sighs and smiles back, brushing a hand over her hair.
"Okay. If you say so."